Professional Practice Standard for Wetland...
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Draft 9 Professional Practice Standard for Wetland Practitioners June 28 2016
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Professional Practice Standard for Wetland Practitioners
Foreword These are competency, education, and professional experience requirements intended to define the
responsibilities of authenticating professional members for submission of regulatory documents under
the Alberta Wetland Policy.
Although this document is not specifically legislated under the respective Professional Regulatory
Organizations’ Acts and Regulations, members who wish to authenticate regulatory documents under
the Alberta Wetland Policy are expected to conform to it in order to be practicing in accordance with
what is deemed to be an acceptable standard.
Participants
A joint committee, the Competency Advisory Group (CAG), comprising representatives of 10
Professional Regulatory Organizations (Professional 10; PRO-10), has prepared this document in order to
achieve uniformly high standards of professional practice that meet the intent of the Alberta Wetland
Policy. The goal of the CAG was to define and set a level of assurance in which a competent and
effective consulting industry can provide direct benefits to the public. During the time that this
document was developed, the CAG had the following membership:
Participant Representing
Bernard Amell, BLA, AALA Alberta Association of Landscape Architects
Joey Hurley, P.Ag. Alberta Environment and Parks
Matthew Wilson Alberta Environment and Parks
Thorsten Hebben, P.Biol. Alberta Environment and Parks
Brian Munday Dave Thompson, ALS
Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association
Dr. Les Fuller P.Ag. Alberta Institute of Agrologists
Dr. Claudia Palylyk, P.Ag., RPP, MCIP Alberta Professional Planners Institute
Dr. Markus N. Thormann, P.Biol., PWS Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
Kathy Janzen, P.Chem. Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta
Tom Sneddon, P.Geol. and Dr. Lian Zhao, P.Eng.
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta
Laurie Hamilton, C.E.T., PWS Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta
Noel St. Jean, RPF College of Alberta Professional Foresters
Mike Poscente, MBA, RPFT College of Alberta Professional Forest Technologists
To maintain consistency in Government of Alberta documents, the format of this document parallels the
document entitled Professional Responsibilities in Completion and Assurance of Reclamation and
Remediation Work in Alberta: Joint Practice Standard Version 1.0 (Professional 7, September 2007). The
wording, headings, and structure have been modified somewhat to meet the specific needs of this
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document. A complete list of references cited in the development of this document is included in
Appendix A.
Contents Foreword ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Participants ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Adaptive Management ................................................................................................................... 5
1.5 Summary of Results ........................................................................................................................ 5
2. Background ....................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Professional Regulatory Organizations in Alberta .......................................................................... 5
2.2 Wetland Science, Design, and Engineering ..................................................................................... 6
3. Professional Evaluation ....................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Professional Self-Declaration of Required Competencies .............................................................. 7
3.2 Professional Discipline .................................................................................................................... 7
4. Requirements for Authentication in Support of Water Act Approvals under the Alberta Wetland
Policy ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Education Requirements ........................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Competency Requirements ............................................................................................................. 9
4.3 Recommended Tools and Skillsets .................................................................................................. 9
4.4 Professional Experience ................................................................................................................ 10
4.5 Summary of Education, Competency, Skills and Experience Requirements for Authentication of
Regulatory Documents under the Alberta Wetland Policy ................................................................. 10
5. Professional Authentication ................................................................................................................ 11
5.1 Principles of Authentication .......................................................................................................... 12
6. Authentication Points for Submissions under the Alberta Wetland Policy .................................... 12
6.1 Wetland Assessment and Impact Report (WAIR) ................................................................... 12
6.2 Design and Specification Plan for a Wetland Replacement Project ............................................. 13
6.3 Validation of Wetland Replacement Project ................................................................................ 13
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6.4 Verification of Wetland Replacement Project .............................................................................. 13
7. Responsibilities of Involved Parties ................................................................................................ 14
7.1 Responsibilities of the Regulators ................................................................................................. 14
7.2 Responsibilities of the Professional Regulatory Organizations..................................................... 14
7.3 Responsibilities of Professional Members .................................................................................... 15
7.4 Responsibilities of Authenticating Members ................................................................................ 15
Appendix A: References ...................................................................................................................... 16
Appendix B: Definitions ....................................................................................................................... 17
Appendix C: Competencies Tables ...................................................................................................... 26
Appendix D: Recommended Tools and Skillsets .................................................................................. 28
Appendix E: Acts and Policies Applicable to the Alberta Wetland Policy ........................................... 29
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1. Overview Recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of wetland science, design, and engineering in Alberta, this
professional practice standard has been jointly developed by Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP),
the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA), the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA), the
Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association (ALSA), the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI), the
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), the Association of the Chemical Profession of
Alberta (ACPA), the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), the
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET), the College of
Alberta Professional Foresters (CAPF) and the College of Alberta Professional Forest Technologists
(CAPFT). The Professional Regulatory Organizations listed here shall henceforth be referred to as the
PRO-10. This document serves as a foundation for authentication of regulatory documents as per the
requirements of the Alberta Wetland Policy.
The Competency Advisory Group (CAG), under the guidance of the PRO-10, initiated work in
November 2015. The CAG identified competencies required to conduct required tasks under the
Alberta Wetland Policy as well as education and professional experience requirements for
professional authentication of regulatory documents.
1.1 Scope
This document is the result of a collaborative effort between the PRO-10, the CAG, and the
Government of Alberta. By signing off on this document, the PRO-10 agrees that the guidance
contained herein describes who is authorized to authenticate wetland related documents under
the Alberta Wetland Policy, and to submit regulatory documents to AEP.
Each of the PRO-10 is responsible to ensure its members are aware of, understand, and adhere
to this document and the intent of the Alberta Wetland Policy.
It is not in the scope of this document to prescribe how competencies will be determined by
each individual PRO-10. A professional practitioner must follow the specifications within their
profession to demonstrate competency in that area
1.2 Purpose
Alberta Environment and Parks was tasked with developing a new Alberta Wetland Policy and to
provide assurance to Albertans that our wetlands are being managed to a high professional
standard. It is the purpose of this document to set forth those requirements.
There are two purposes to this document. This report is a set of recommendations to:
o Support the addition of a wetland-focused practice area to each PRO-10. The PRO-10
has agreed to implement this practice standard for professional practice. However, it is
not in the scope of this document to provide specific advice on how recommendations
in this report should be implemented within each profession.
o Provide authenticating professionals within the PRO-10 a competency guideline for
wetland science, design, and engineering in Alberta under the Alberta Wetland Policy.
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Authenticating professionals should use this document for self-evaluation, and to assist
in the selection of appropriate contributing professionals so as to meet all of the
requirements under the Alberta Wetland Policy.
1.3 Definitions
A list of definitions applicable to this report is in Appendix B. Defined words are italicized
throughout this report.
1.4 Adaptive Management
AEP, in collaboration with the PRO-10, will review the recommendations put forth in this report
in 2021 with a subsequent update to this report. This review will be part of adaptive
management, which allows for increased confidence in recommendations and promotes due
diligence by wetland science, design, and engineering practitioners in ensuring public safety, as
well as accountability of the Government of Alberta. Regular reviews will continue to be
scheduled.
1.5 Summary of Results
The CAG produced a Competencies Table (Appendix C) describing the tasks that must be
completed as part of the requirements under the Alberta Wetland Policy. Each task is associated
with a list of competencies that a professional must possess to ensure competent completion of
each task. The competencies are grouped in broader knowledge areas.
Outside of competency areas, a list of general skills and professional experience requirements
are included in this document.
It is unlikely that one individual will be competent in all areas of wetland science, design, and
engineering. It is expected that this document, specifically the Competencies Table, will guide
authenticating professional members toward the selection of team members who will fulfill the
needs of their projects.
2. Background
2.1 Professional Regulatory Organizations in Alberta
In Alberta, Professional Regulatory Organizations are self-regulating organizations with specific,
defined scopes of practice that are guided by provincial legislation and regulations. These
organizations consist of associations, institutes, and colleges that have been given the statutory
authority in Alberta to regulate their respective professions to ensure public safety and
protection of the environment. The professions themselves are charged with the legal
responsibility of ensuring that their professional members are qualified to practice in the fields
or areas of interest within which they are offering services to the public. Refer to the
Professional Regulatory Organizations’ defined scopes of practice, standards, and ethics, as
required.
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Each Professional Regulatory Organization is enacted under provincial legislation and maintains
scope of practice and professional practice standards for specific disciplines. Consequently, this
enables them to undertake professional practice discipline and the ability to mandate their
membership to abide by their respective standards.
Functionally, the organizations are responsible for licencing, accrediting, or designating qualified
individuals who wish to practice in a specific field in Alberta. Applicants who meet the relevant
standards for ethical, professional, and technical competency are held responsible to a high
professional standard and, therefore, provide assurance to Albertans and the Government of
Alberta that the public interest and environment are being protected. Every Professional
Regulatory Organization in Alberta functions according to the specific needs of the organization.
2.2 Wetland Practitioners
Wetland science, design, and engineering are interdisciplinary in nature but are necessarily
brought together by the requirements of the Alberta Wetland Policy. Broad descriptions of each
individual component of this Practice Area are provided here.
2.2.1 Wetland Science
Wetland science deals with the physical, chemical, and biological properties of wetland
ecosystems. In the context of the Alberta Wetland Policy, the professional seeks to
understand the functionality of wetlands and how human and natural activities
influence a wetland’s ecological condition.
2.2.2 Wetland Design
Wetland design is the practice of creating wetland systems that are as to near self-
sustaining as possible, within the constraints and opportunities of its catchment and
surrounding human and natural environments. The final design must combine
considerations from a broad array of scientific and technical disciplines to devise a
wetland system that meets desired outcomes. It is the fusion of creative and technical
disciplines that distinguishes wetland engineering and design from wetland science.
2.2.3 Wetland Engineering
The practice of engineering means reporting on, advising on, evaluating, designing, and
preparing plans and specifications for or directing the construction, technical inspection,
maintenance, or operation of engineered structures, works, or processes For the
purposes of this document, engineering refers to wetland engineering.
3. Professional Evaluation Professional members shall recognize that environmental issues are interdisciplinary in nature, and
only undertake work that they are competent to perform by virtue of their training, education, and
professional experience. Professional members shall recognize individual limitations, and have
regard for the professional opinions of environmental specialists in other disciplines.
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Professional Members shall ensure that they possess a combination of formal education, skill,
professional experience, and training as required by their respective PRO-10 and by the provincial
regulators to provide technically sound wetland science, design, and/or engineering advice and
work. Professionals practicing in wetland science, design, or and/or engineering must ensure that
their skills are regularly improved and enhanced through training and knowledge sharing.
Professional practice demands integrity, competency, and objectivity, while fulfilling responsibilities
to the public, the employer or client, the profession, and other professional members. Professional
members providing wetland services are advised to refer to their own professions’ codes of ethics
periodically to ensure that the application of their skills is consistent with their professional
standards. The rules of professional conduct serve not only as a guide to professional members, but
also as a source of assurance to the public of the professional members’ concern for the public they
serve.
3.1 Professional Self-Declaration of Required Competencies
Alberta Environment and Parks organized and chaired the CAG and PRO-10 in 2015-2016 to
identify the general competencies required to conduct wetland science, design, and engineering
work.
The Competencies Table (Appendix C) recognizes that wetland science, design, and engineering
work are often multi-disciplinary in nature. Further, it recognizes that any one individual will
likely not have the entire skill set necessary to address and complete all of the possible tasks
involved in a particular assignment. This table guides professional members in the assessment of
their own expertise and toward the selection of team members who will fulfill the needs of the
project.
3.2 Professional Discipline
Should professional members exhibit professional misconduct (as defined by their respective
PRO-10 and their associated professional practice standards and/or codes of ethics) in any
manner, such as practicing beyond the scope of their expertise, they are subject to disciplinary
action by their respective Professional Regulatory Organization as set out in their
enabling/enacted provincial legislation and regulations.
4. Requirements for Authentication in Support of Water Act Approvals under
the Alberta Wetland Policy Wetland practitioners must meet the requirements as set out below in order to authenticate
professional documents for submission under the Alberta Wetland Policy. The meaning of
authentication is described in detail in Section 5.0 of this document.
Professionals who do not meet the requirements set forth in this section may contribute and
complete wetland science, design, and/or engineering work under the direct supervision of a
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qualified professional; however, they will not be able to authenticate regulatory documents under
the Alberta Wetland Policy.
4.1 Education Requirements
4.1.1 Registration Requirements for Membership with PRO-10
Educational requirements for registration with a Professional Regulatory
Organization are determined individually by each organization. Professionals
wishing to authenticate regulatory documents as a wetland practitioner must
possess one of the professional or technical designations listed below from one
of the PRO-10, thereby meeting all education, experience, continuing
professional development, and any other requirements to remain in good
standing as a regulated member in their respective Professional Regulatory
Organization.
The following designations meet the registration requirements of section 4.1.1
of this document:
I. A professional engineer, professional geoscientist, professional licensee
(engineering), professional licensee (geoscience), or licensee entitled to
engage in the practice of engineering or geoscience under the
Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act, R.S.A. 2012, c. E-11.1.;
II. A professional agrologist or registered technologist (agrology) under the
Agrology Professions Act R.S.A. 2005, c. A-13.5;
III. A professional biologist under the Professional Biologists Regulation (AR
120/2002) Professional and Occupational Associations Registrations Act,
R.S.A. 2000, c. P-26;
IV. A professional chemist under the Professional Chemists Regulation (AR
248/2001) Professional and Occupational Associations Registrations Act,
R.S.A. 2000, c. P-26;
V. A registered professional forester under the Regulated Forestry
Profession Act, R.S.A. 2000 c. R.-13;
VI. A registered professional forest technologist under the Regulated
Forestry Profession Act, R.S.A. 2000 c. R.-13;
VII. A professional landscape architect under the Landscape Architects
Regulation (AR 228/2010) Professional and Occupational Associations
Registration Act, R.S.A. 2000 c. P-26;
VIII. A professional planner under the Professional Planner Regulation (AR
115/2010) Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act,
R.S.A. 2000, c. P-26;
IX. A professional land surveyor under the Land Surveyors Act, c. L-3:
X. A professional technologist registered with ASET under the Engineering
and Geoscience Professions Act, R.S.A. 2012, c. E-11.1
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who is also
XI. a member in good standing of a relevant Professional Regulatory
Organization;
XII. a practicing member in compliance with the Professional Regulatory
Organization’s continuing professional development program
4.1.2 Education Requirements for Competency in a Specific Subject Area
In addition to meeting the education requirement for PRO-10 registration, the
authenticating professional must demonstrate competency through evidence of
formal training and/or education in the specific competencies contained in
Appendix C: Competencies Table.
4.2 Competency Requirements
The Competencies Table (Appendix C) recognizes that wetland science, design, and engineering
work are often multi-disciplinary in nature. This table is intended to guide professional members
in the assessment of their own expertise and toward the selection of team members who will
fulfill the needs of the project.
The depth of understanding required within each competency area will be determined by
individual project requirements and complexity. It is the responsibility of the professional
practitioner to recognize varying degrees of complexity and regulatory requirements of a project
when assembling the appropriate project team with the necessary expertise to complete the
identified tasks
4.3 Recommended Tools and Skillsets
Skill sets, such as sampling methodology and field techniques, are not specific to wetland
science but are necessary skills to complete many of the Wetland Policy tasks listed. A listing of
recommended tools and skill sets that should be part a practitioner’s skill set are listed in
Appendix D. This table should not be considered an exhaustive list.
Practitioners are responsible to follow correct sampling, methodology, analytics, and/or
interpretation processes. It is the responsibility of the authenticating wetland practitioners to
seek appropriate professional contributions, especially for non-routine assessments.
In addition, a practitioner should have a robust understanding of the regulatory environment in
Alberta and Canada. A list of applicable acts, regulations, and policies are included in Appendix E
of this report. This list should not be considered exhaustive.
4.3.1 Alberta Wetland Rapid Evaluation Tool
ABWRET is a tool that combines spatial and field data and was designed specifically for use under the Alberta Wetland Policy. ABWRET implementation includes: o Identifying wetland management values and selecting indicators o Modelling indicators using regional spatial datasets
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o Collecting field data (measurements of characteristics of indicators) o Calculating the value category of a wetland o Determining mitigation strategies based on ABWRET-A wetland value category
under the Alberta Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Assessment and Impact Report Directives
ABWRET is a necessary part of the application process when there is permanent loss of
wetland area and function. A practitioner authenticating a Wetland Assessment and
Impact Report (WAIR) should have a strong understanding of the ABWRET and its use.
4.4 Professional Experience
Professional experience represents a source of knowledge that is gained through professional
practice rather than through education or training. Such experience facilitates the development
of skill sets and knowledge needed to be competent within one’s practice area. Development of
these skill sets and knowledge requires time working in a professional environment, where
feedback is available to hone one’s skills and experiential knowledge.
To authenticate wetland documents as part of a submission under the Alberta Wetland Policy,
the professional must demonstrate a total of five years of professional experience, with a
minimum of three years of professional wetland experience. It is possible to complete the three
years of wetland experience as part of the total of five years of professional experience. The
professional experience should be completed under the supervision of a wetland practitioner.
Professional experience is defined as employment experience gained as an individual licenced or
registered with a PRO-10 as outlined in Appendix B (definitions) of this report (definition of a
professional; definition of professional experience).
4.5 Summary of Education, Competency, Skills and Experience Requirements for
Authentication of Regulatory Documents under the Alberta Wetland Policy
Figure 1 is a representation of the necessary requirements a professional must meet to be
qualified to authenticate regulatory documents under the Alberta Wetland Policy.
Professionals should begin their self-evaluation at the base of the pyramid diagram (Step 1:
Professional or Technical Designation Registered with one of the PRO-10). When and if the Step
1 qualification is met, the professionals must ensure they meet the requirements set forth in
Step 2: Competencies Requirements Met. Professionals should refer to Appendix C to assess
competencies required for various tasks under the Alberta Wetland Policy. If and when Step 2 is
met, professionals can move up the pyramid to Step 3 and ensure they have met the
professional experience requirements, as set forth in Section 4 of this report.
Fulfillment of these requirements qualifies the professional member to authenticate regulatory
documents under the Alberta Wetland Policy. Authentication points are set forth in Section 6 of
this report
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Figure 1. Diagram of Education, Competency, Skills, and Experience Requirements for Authentication
of Regulatory Documents under the Alberta Wetland Policy
5. Professional Authentication It is important for each authenticating professional member to recognize that the application of his
or her signature and/or seal conveys a message of reliability to the regulators and to the public. In
the authentication of professional documents, professional members are advising that:
They prepared or accepted professional responsibility for that work based on preparing the
documentation themselves, or directly supervised the work, or reliance on a supporting
professional
They meet the education, competency, and professional experience requirements, as set
forth in this document
They have a working knowledge of legislation, regulation, and guidelines relative to the
Alberta Wetland Policy
They are functioning under the standards, guidelines, ethics, and terms of their professional
organization
Qualified to authenticate
documents under the Alberta
Wetland Policy
(3) Total of five years of Professional Experience
with a minimum of three years of professional wetland experience
(2) Competency Requirements Met
- Refer to Competencies Table in Appendix B
- Competency is determined through each PRO-10
(1) Professional or Technical Designation Registered with one of
the PRO-10
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They carry professional errors and omissions insurance either individually or through a
corporate plan, as may be required by clients and regulators, including, but not limited to,
the standard terms of their profession
The regulators, other professional members, and the public may rely upon their work
5.1 Principles of Authentication
Authentication means the application of the professional members’ stamp or seal or
membership/registration number, signature, and date to a plan, report, map, or any other forms
or documents indicating that the professional member has completed or supervised completion
of the wetland science, design, or engineering plan or task to an acceptable standard as per the
regulators’ requirements and that the regulators may rely on the professional member for
competent completion of task(s) under the Alberta Wetland Policy.
6. Authentication Points for Submissions under the Alberta Wetland Policy The following four submissions under the Alberta Water Act will require authentication. Non-
authenticating professionals can contribute to these submissions; however, by authenticating a
document, the professional is advising that all of the points listed in Section 5 of this document are
true and the work carried out under the authenticating professional has been done in a competent
manner consistent with this standard.
Authentication of regulatory documents submitted as part of a Water Act application package with
Alberta Wetland Policy requirement is required for the following submissions:
6.1 Wetland Assessment and Impact Report (WAIR)
Wetland practitioners must authenticate the WAIR as part of the regulatory submission to AEP
under the Alberta Water Act. The following core components comprise the WAIR:
a. Wetland identification and delineation – all wetlands are identified, delineated, and
submitted to the regulatory body in accordance with the Alberta Wetland
Identification and Delineation Directive.
b. Wetland classification – the class, form, and/or type of all wetlands are determined
and documented in accordance with the Alberta Wetland Classification System
(AWCS).
c. Relative wetland value– the Alberta Wetland Rapid Evaluation Tool - Actual
(ABWRET-A) is used to determine the relative value of each wetland.
d. Species surveys – species surveys are conducted in accordance with Species
Inventory Protocols, if available, or other legislations. These surveys may require a
specialist in botany or wildlife biology.
e. Other surveys – other surveys may be requested by the regulatory body, as
needed. These surveys may require a specialist in hydrology, hydrogeology,
limnology, soil sciences, or any other scientific field.
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Please see the Alberta Government document Wetland Assessment and Impact Report
Directive (http://aep.alberta.ca/water/programs-and-
services/wetlands/documents/AssessmentImpactDirective-Jun01-2015.pdf) for more
information.
6.2 Design and Specification Plan for a Wetland Replacement Project
If avoidance of wetland disturbance is not possible, proponents are required to minimize
impacts on wetlands. Where avoidance and minimization efforts are not feasible, wetland
replacement is required. Proponents can undertake their own replacement project.
Authentication will be required from a wetland practitioner for a Design and Specification Plan
for a wetland replacement project. This is a technical document outlining the restoration of a
wetland that had previously been drained, enhancement of an existing degraded wetland, or
construction of a wetland where one previously did not exist.
The purpose of a Design and Specification Plan is to define design objectives and priorities, and
to create designs that are feasible and serve the identified ecological, engineering, human,
operational, and budgetary functions. In addition, a Design and Specification Plan must be in
adherence to design and validation protocols, and the proposal must be submitted to AEP, for
review, prior to undertaking the project. These protocols will be outlined in the Alberta
Government document Wetlands Offset Restoration Design Protocol. The Design and
Specification Plan should include a monitoring plan commensurate with the complexity of the
project and based on the best available science.
6.3 Validation of Wetland Replacement Project
Validation requires a conclusion about the success of the construction of the wetland
replacement project based on the Design and Specification Plan. The validation authentication
occurs after construction is completed. The authenticating professional for the validation of a
wetland replacement project may be either the same professional that prepared the WAIR
submittal or the Wetland Restoration Design Plan submittal (or both).
6.4 Verification of Wetland Replacement Project
Verification occurs five years after construction of the wetland replacement project is complete.
Depending on the complexity of the wetland project, the wetland practitioner may wish to have
more frequent verification points as discussed with and agreed upon by AEP.
Verification is an assessment of the overall functionality of the wetland and therefore will
include contributions from professionals in many competency areas. It is expected that the
authenticating professional will practice due diligence in project verification. Once the five-year
verification is authenticated by the Wetland Practitioner, the wetland replacement project is
considered complete.
Figure 2 provides a representation of the authentication points under the Alberta Wetland
Policy.
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Figure 2. Authentication Points Submissions under the Alberta Wetland Policy
7. Responsibilities of Involved Parties
7.1 Responsibilities of the Regulators
It is the responsibility of the AEP to:
Provide assurance to the public that this system of professional governance is operating
to this acceptable standard
Provide assurance to the public that this system is designed to meet the outcomes of
the Alberta Wetland Policy
Ensure that the appropriate policies and guidelines are in place to guide professional
members in their work
Respond to questions submitted in writing by the professional member concerning
interpretation of acts, regulation, policy, procedure, and guidance that may arise during
the work
Ensure that a wetland practitioner has authenticated the work by not accepting non-
authenticated applications or submission
Ensure an appropriate review or audit of applications and submissions
Develop and provide a system to provide feedback to the PROs on potential emerging
issues resulting from the implementation of this Practice Standard
Provide a rationale for administrative or scientific reason for an application or
submission refusal
7.2 Responsibilities of the Professional Regulatory Organizations
It is the responsibility of the Professional Regulatory Organizations to:
Regulate the practice of professional members carrying out the wetland science, design,
and engineering work
Endorse the joint competency requirements for wetland practitioners and ensure
professional members are aware and comply with this standard
Define and require compliance with the ethics of the profession
Review the practices and maintain annual continuing professional development records
for practicing professional members as enabled through the relevant professional act(s)
and/or regulations
1. Wetland Assessment and Impact Report
2. Design and Specificiation
Plan for Wetland Resotration
Project
3. Validation of Wetland
Replacement Project
4. Verification of Wetland
Replacement Project
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Investigate complaints and discipline professional members if standards or ethics have
been breached as enabled through the relevant professional act(s) and/or regulations
7.3 Responsibilities of Professional Members
It is the responsibility of the professional members to:
Provide assurance to the public, safeguard the environment and public, and practice
with due diligence
Conduct his or her work to an appropriate standard of care
Maintain a current knowledge of all acts, policies, procedures, and guidance documents
of the regulators and other agencies
Document the work thoroughly
Ensure that data have been collected in a manner consistent with professional practice
and that no systematic or intentional bias exists in the data
Remain aware of any poor or prohibited practice and bring this to the attention of the
appropriate Professional Regulatory Organization(s) and/or the regulators
Only take responsibility for work and conduct work within his or her area of expertise
7.4 Responsibilities of Authenticating Members
In addition to all of the responsibilities listed in Section 7.3 of this report, authenticating
members are also responsible to:
Determine the scope and complexity of the project and assemble an appropriate
professional team
Delegate portions of the work to other professionals when required; accept
responsibility for that work when authenticating the regulatory document(s) for
submission under the Alberta Wetland Policy
Apply professional and responsible judgement in interpreting and accepting the work of
contributing professionals
Carry professional errors and omissions insurance either individually or through a group
plan, as may be required by clients and regulators, including, but not limited to, the
standard terms of their profession
Assume liability for the regulatory submission in its entirety
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Appendix A: References
Alberta Wetland and Impact Report Assessment (Alberta Environment and Parks, June 2015)
Alberta Wetland Mitigation Directive (Alberta Environment and Parks, June 2015)
Alberta Wetland Offset Program Description (Alberta Environment and Parks, September 2015)
Alberta Wetland Policy (Alberta Environment and Parks, September 2013)
Alberta Wetland Rapid Evaluation Tool – Actual (ABWRET-A) Guide (Alberta Environment and Parks, June 2015)
Alberta Wetland Regulatory Requirements Guide (Alberta Environment and Parks, June 2015)
Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act (Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000 Chapter E-11 Current as of April 30, 2015
Professional Responsibilities in Completion and Assurance of Reclamation and Remediation Work in Alberta: Joint Practice Standard Version 1.0 (Professional 7, September 2007)
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Appendix B: Definitions
Alberta Wetland Rapid Evaluation Tool (ABWRET)
ABWRET (A; Actual) is a standardized method for rapidly assessing some of the important natural functions of all types of wetlands present . ABWRET (E; Estimate) is a GIS based tool designed to predict relative wetland value distribution at the Section level.
Aerial Photo Interpretation The process of identifying landscape and anthropogenic features through consideration of their shapes, surface textures, shadow patterns, location, size, tone/color, patterns, height/depth and site/situation/associations, with consideration for the scale and date of the photograph.
Authentication Authentication means the application of the professional members’ stamp or seal or membership/registration number, signature, and date to a plan, report, map or any other form or documents indicating that the professional member has completed or supervised completion of the wetland science, design, or engineering plan or task to an acceptable standard as per the regulators’ requirements and that the regulators may rely on the professional member for competent completion of task(s) under the Alberta Wetland Policy.
Code of Ethics Outlines the missions and values of provincially
regulated professional organizations, how professionals are supposed to approach problems, the ethical principles based on the organizations’ core values, and the standards and acceptable conduct to which the professionals will be held. Provides the foundation of the practice and the organizations’ rules of conduct such that public safety is held paramount.
Competency Competency within a professional practice area arises from a combination of one’s education and work experience resulting in acceptable performance. It is expressed in the practitioner's knowledge, skills and judgement used in conducting his or her practice within a given practice area.
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Competencies Advisory Group (CAG) A group of technical representatives from the 10 environmental-related Alberta professional organizations that were tasked with developing new competency, education, and experience requirements for professional authentication of regulatory documents under the Alberta Wetland Policy.
Competencies Table A table designed to show competencies required to complete each task under the Alberta Wetland Policy.
Competent Practitioner An individual who has acquired a specific combination of education and work experience relating to specific activities that result in the individual having the ability to undertake, at an appropriate level, one of more components of Wetland Practitioners work.
Directive Guidance documents supporting the implementation of the Alberta Wetland Policy
Education Number of years of education and specified number and types of courses in a particular field assessed against the respective Professional Regulatory Organization’s education standards.
Erosion Resistance and Shoreline Stabilization
Conditions of soil and vegetation that result in resistance (or susceptibility) to predicted flow rates, wave action, and wildlife, vehicular, or pedestrian impacts.
Expertise A combination of skill, knowledge, and experience
Fisheries Habitat and Biodiversity A habitat is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular species or different species, whereby biodiversity is a means to quantitatively determine the degree of variability within and among different ecosystems.
GLOBAL Positionin Systems (GPS) GPS is a space-based navigation system that utilizes an array of satellites to provide spatial and temporal information for any point on the Earth (where there is a line of sight without obstructions to four satellites) at any given time.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
GIS is a broad term for a suite of geospatial technologies, processes, and methods, often collectively accessed through a single software or suite of software. GIS is a system that incorporates geospatial analysis, geospatial data management, and
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cartographic capabilities. Competency in GIS, as applied to wetland policy tasks, includes an understanding of geographic information science, which is the science underlying the geographic concepts, applications, and systems applied when representing real-world features in a geospatial environment, such as spatial autocorrelation, topology, 2D-3D distortion, and geospatial processes.
Geology The branch of science concerned with the formation of the Earth, its constituent parts, its evolution, the materials that form it, and the processes that transform those materials, including the passage of fluids onto and through Earth materials.
Geomorphology The branch of geoscience that deals with the transformation of the earth’s surface through the forces of tectonics, wind, water, temperature, and biological activity.
Geotechnical Design Design of subgrades and soil structures that support desired ecological and engineering performance objectives. Also, design of finish grades above and below design normal water levels to result in permanent and transient stored volumes and hydroperiods that serve engineering and ecological performance objectives.
Human Use Elements, Barriers, and Safety Features
Design of pathways, boardwalks, accessible shorelines, fencing, barriers, and signage that support safe human use of wetland environments, while managing and limiting impacts to ecological functions.
Hydraulic Analysis and Design The analysis and design of wetland site drainage, water flow hydrodynamics and proposed structures, which comprise the hydraulics of a wetland.
Hydrography The stage, or water level, at the wetland as a function of time.
Hydrologic Modeling A general term applied to multiple types and complexities of predictive models that model the properties, distribution, and effects of water on the Earth’s surface, in the soil and underlying rocks, or in the atmosphere. The models generally are simplified conceptual representations of a part of the hydraulic cycle. Two major categories of models are:
Stochastic models, based on data and using
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mathematical and statistical concepts to link a certain input (e.g., precipitation) to the model output (e.g., runoff).
Process-based models, which attempt to represent the physical processes observed in the real world (e.g., surface run-off, subsurface flow, channel flow etc.).
Hydrology Water circulation of wetland receiving water including groundwater and surface water or natural springs. Surface water may be accumulated from precipitation, runoff, streamflow, incoming tides, spillover from the adjacent water body. Water entering to the wetland is exchanged dynamically between surface wetland water, the groundwater and the receiving waters. Hydrology convey a combinations of water drainage channel, seepage, natural groundwater gradient and hydraulic, evapotranspiration, outgoing tides, and water control structures.
Hydrogeology Wetland hydrogeology deals with the area of geology that deals with the distribution and movement of groundwater in aquifers contributing to the wetland receiving water.
Impact Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation
Impact identification and assessment involve understanding baseline environmental and land use conditions, the scope of activities associated with any project that disturbs a wetland, or any of the processes associated with that wetland’s performance, and determining the short- and long-term direct and indirect negative effects of that disturbance on that wetland. Mitigation involves recommendations and best management practices that negate or minimize impacts to a wetland, or seeks to achieve replacement if impacts are unavoidable.
Knowledge Area A knowledge area is based on an overarching process
or theory, and consists of several competencies required to complete a wetland policy implementation task.
Land Use Land use is characterised by the arrangements, activities and inputs people undertake in a certain land-cover type to produce, change, or maintain it.
Materials Selection and Testing Analysis, specification, and testing of artificial and
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organic materials that may be utilized in restoration or creation of wetlands. Examples are amended soils, clay or artificial liners, erosion matting, and nursery-grown native plants.
Practice The scope of expertise within a knowledge area claimed by a professional in that field.
Practice Area An area of expertise that requires specialized knowledge, skills, and experience.
Practice Standard
A practice standard defines the expectations of the profession with respect to professional practice within a given practice area and outlines the requirements for competent practice. Clear documentation of competency requirements within a practice standard provides the public the necessary assurance that professional members are aware of the requirements for competent practice and professional members have a benchmark upon which to assess their professional practice and identify potential learning needs in their continuing competence program.
Professional 10 (PRO-10) The 10 professional regulatory bodies responsible for developing the competency, education, and experience requirements for the rractice area of Wetland science, design, and engineering in Alberta. The 10 bodies include the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA), Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA), Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association (ALSA), Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI), Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (APCA), Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET), College of Alberta Professional Foresters (CAPF), and College of Alberta Professional Forest Technologists (CAPFT).
Professional Experience Work conducted by a registered professional practitioner during which the individual is subject to the act, regulations, bylaws, practice standards and code of ethics of his/her professional regulatory body.
Professional Member A person registered and in good standing with his/her professional regulatory association, college or institute and who abides by a code of professional ethics, who practices only within the area of his/her individual
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expertise and competency, who is subject to a practice standard, and can be subject to potential disciplinary action in response to incompetent practice.
Professional Regulatory Organization The associations, colleges, or institutes that have been given the statutory authority in Alberta to regulate their respective professions.
Regulators The authorities having jurisdiction over Water Act applications and associated requirements under the Alberta Wetland Policy: Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) and the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).
Restoration Ecology The intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the recovery of an ecosystem with respect to its health, integrity, and sustainability. The practice of restoration ecology includes a broad scope, including erosion control, reforestation, use of genetically local native species, removal of non-native species and weeds, revegetation of disturbed areas, daylighting streams, reintroduction of native species, as well as habitat and range improvement for targeted vegetation and wildlife species.
Sediment Characteristics Sediment is the accumulation of sand, dirt, and fine particles of clay and silt that settles in the bottom of wetlands. The high surface area of the fine grains sequester pollutants, so that suspended sediments and the top few centimeters of bottom sediment have far greater concentrations of trace metals and other contaminants than the water column. Dissolved oxygen is usually rapidly depleted below the sediment- water interface. The resulting anoxic conditions can drive the development of steep chemical gradients for pollutant and nutrient species. Contaminants can be re-suspended in the water column and reintroduced into the aquatic food chain through diffusion, irrigation, and disturbances due to water currents, storms, or activities of animals.
Skill Proficiency that is acquired or developed through training or experience
Soil Genesis The development of soil from underlying parent materials in response to hydrological, chemical, physical, and biological processes acting in response to environmental site conditions. These processes acting on parent material over time result in the observed
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morphology, properties, and behaviour of soils.
Soil Identification and Classification Identification of soil properties, diagnostic features, and soil horizons, arising from processes of soil formation, resulting in determination of the correct taxonomic unit according to the Canadian System of Soil Classification.
Soil Physical and Chemical Properties The properties and behaviour of soils directly affecting water, heat, and gaseous retention and movement through the soil profile, nutrient availability and retention, acidity, and salinity. These properties directly influence the condition of the rooting zone of vegetation.
Stability Monitoring Predictive monitoring of conditions of soil and vegetation that may result in susceptibility to destabilization due to erosive forces, wetting/drying, vegetation loss and wildlife, vehicular or pedestrian impacts.
Surficial Geology The appearance of mapable geological formations outcropping at the surface of the Earth.
Task One of the steps necessary to complete a submission under the Alberta Wetland Policy.
Technology Refers to the study of the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Terrain Analysis Identification of surficial geological materials, slope morphology, and slope gradient and the effects of surface and subsurface hydrology on material stability and erosion.
Tool Some type of written or digital guidance enabling a professional to perform a task
Training Under the guidance of a subject matter expert, an individual develops skills and/or knowledge that relate to a specific competency or competencies.
Vegetation Establishment Procedures Vegetation specifications, including plant material qualitative standards, seed mixes, planting procedures, and monitoring and maintenance activities as required to ensure establishment success. Where applicable ecological “success” will include design for biodiversity, not merely continuous plant cover.
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Water Chemistry Basic water chemistry usually refers to elementary
analyses of pH, salinity, nutrient levels (nitrogen and phosphorus), dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. More advanced water chemistry involves a wide variety of optional analyses for components, such as major anions and cations, dissolved gases, radioactive substances, and trace materials. Trace materials that can be analyzed include pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, volatile organic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, naphthenic acids, cyanotoxins, endocrine disruptors, and pharmaceutical residues.
Water Regime The water regime of a wetland water body is its characteristic behaviour in terms of hydrology, including its hydroperiod and its flow, salinity, and temperature profiles. The water regime of a wetland water body can also mean its characteristic behaviour in terms of chemistry and biology; i.e., its water chemistry (see definition above) and the state of the ecological community interacting with the wetland.
Water Quality Performance Prediction Computer modelling and/or calculations based on technical reference data, used to estimate water quality performance of designed or restored wetland systems. Accurate predictions often require site-specific or locally generated empirical data to calibrate the modelling procedures and calculation algorithms.
Wetland Morphology including Substrates and Liners
Design of subgrades and surficial soil structures that support desired ecological and engineering performance objectives.
Wetland Vegetation Ecology The relationship and interactions among vegetation species and their environment, including other organisms, in wetlands.
Wetland Vegetation Identification and Taxonomy
The identification of wetland vegetation species based on morphological characteristics, e.g., leaves, flowers, and growth habit, and their subsequent classification to genus and/or species toward understanding the wetland vegetation community composition.
Wildlife and Fish Indicators Any wildlife or fish species that defines a trait or characteristic of the environment, including pollution, management, and/or sensitivity indicator species.
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Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity A habitat is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular species or different species, whereby biodiversity is a means to quantitatively determine the degree of variability within and among different ecosystems, which involves assessing the number of different species most often.
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Identification and Delineation Classification Permanence
Wetland Assessment and Impact
Report
Wetland Design, Restoration and
Enhancement Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
Vegetation Wetland Vegetation Ecology Wetland Vegetation Ecology Wetland Vegetation Ecology Wetland Vegetation Ecology Wetland Vegetation Ecology
Wetland Vegetation
Identification and Taxonomy
Wetland Vegetation
Identification and Taxonomy
Wetland Vegetation
Identification and Taxonomy
Wetland Vegetation
Identification and Taxonomy
Impact Identification,
Assessment and Mitigation
Restoration Ecology Restoration Ecology
Soils
Soil Identification and
Classification
Soil Identification and
Classification
Soil Identification and
Classification
Soil Identification and
Classification
Soil Identification and
Classification
Soil Genesis Soil Genesis Soil Genesis Soil Genesis
Impact Identification,
Assessment and Mitigation
Soil Physical and Chemical
properties
Soil Physical and Chemical
properties
Soil Physical and Chemical
properties
Sediment Characteristics Sediment Characteristics
Restoration Ecology Restoration Ecology
Wildlife and Fish Wildlife and Fish Indicators Wildlife and Fish Indicators
Impact Identification,
Assessment and Mitigation
Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity
Fisheries Habitat and Biodiversity Fisheries Habitat and Biodiversity
Restoration Ecology Restoration Ecology
Landscape Geomorphology Geomorphology
Aerial photo interpretation Aerial photo interpretation Aerial photo interpretation
Geographic Information Systems Geographic Information Systems Geographic Information Systems
Surficial Geology Surficial Geology Surficial Geology
Geopositioning Systems Geopositioning Systems Geopositioning Systems
Geology Geology
Terrain analysis Terrain analysis Terrain analysis
Land Use Land Use Land Use Land Use Land Use Land Use
Impact Identification,
Assessment and Mitigation
Restoration Ecology Restoration Ecology
ALBERTA WETLAND POLICY TASKS
Appendix C: Competencies Tables
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Identification and Delineation Classification Permanence
Wetland Assessment and Impact
Report
Wetland Design, Restoration and
Enhancement Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
Water Resources Water Regime Water Regime Water Regime Water Regime Water Regime
Water Chemistry Water Chemistry Water Chemistry Water Chemistry
Hydrography Hydrography Hydrography
Hydrology Hydrology
Impact Identification,
Assessment and Mitigation
Hydrologic Modelling
Hydrogeology Hydrogeology
Restoration Ecology Restoration Ecology
Civil Engineering Materials Selection and Testing
Geotechnical Design
Hydrological Analysis and
Modeling
Hydraulic Analysis and Design
Hydrogeology
Water Quality Performance
Prediction
Stability Monitoring
Environmental Design
Wetland Morphology including
Substrates and Liners
Erosion Resistance and Shoreline
Stabilization
Vegetation Establishment
Procedures
Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity
Human Use Elements, Barriers
and Safety Features
Restoration Ecology
ALBERTA WETLAND POLICY TASKS
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Appendix D: Recommended Tools and Skillsets
Tool or Skill Purpose(s) ABWRET-A Field assessment of wetland; determination of
value category
ArcGIS Software knowledge. Geospatial data creation, processing, analysis, management, storage, quality control
AutoCAD Construction data design, processing, analysis management, storage, quality control
Field techniques and sampling methodology Gather and store field data using accepted methodology; ensure high quality data collection and management; GPS use
Understanding Alberta Merged Wetland Inventory
Understand wetlands and their classification in the province in Alberta for the period of 1998 to 2009
Understanding ABWRET-E Provide preliminary estimations of proportions of wetland value categories in project area
Project management Initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria; especially critical in the design, restoration, enhancement, and /or construction of wetlands
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Appendix E: Acts, Policies and Frameworks Applicable to the Alberta Wetland
Policy
Provincial (Alberta) Federal (Canada)
Alberta Wetland Assessment and Impact Report Directive
Alberta Wetland Classification System
Alberta Wetland Identification and Delineation Directive
Alberta Wetland Mitigation Directive
Alberta Wetland Policy
Environmental Enhancement and Protection Act
Fisheries Act
Forest Act
Guide for Assessing Permanence of Wetland Basins
Historical Resources Act
Land Surveyors Act
Land Titles Act
Surveys Act
Land Use Framework and Regional Plans
Municipal Government Act
Municipal Stormwater and Environmental Management Policies
Parks Act
Public Lands Act
Soil Conservation Act
Water Act
Water Act Regulatory Requirements Guide
Water (Ministerial) Regulation
Water (Offences and Penalties) Regulation
Weed Control Act and Regulations
Wildlife Act and Regulations
Fisheries Act
Migratory Birds Convention Act
Navigable Waters Act
Species at Risk Act